YES Network.com

Jamaal Magloire doesn't make the Nets the best team in the Eastern Conference, but the burly 6-foot-11 center gives them some things they're missing, some things that Mikki Moore didn't.

Magloire is younger, more physical, and only signed a one-year deal. He's playing for a contract, so you know he's going to want to have a big year. After seeing how Moore did and what he got (three years, $18 million from Sacramento) after just one season playing with Jason Kidd and Vince Carter, Magloire jumped at the chance to be a Net.

"I did see an opportunity in playing in New Jersey," Magloire said after signing his $4 million pact on Tuesday. "I did watch Mikki Moore closely over the year. I'm very happy for him.

"But he's Mikki Moore and I'm Jamaal Magloire and there's a lot that I bring to the table that I can probably count on my hand in this league do the same. So I'm going to put a nice spin on this team. I'm going to play within the team's concept and I can assure you we're going to be a better team than we were last year."

Magloire talked big on Tuesday, saying "his toughness" isn't that common around the league, which has gotten "soft." He also said he wants to be an All-Star again and he thinks the Nets "are the team to beat" and can be "NBA champions."

With his inside game, something the Nets' sorely need, they should be improved. But if they're title contenders it's because Jason Kidd had another great season, Carter lived up to his paycheck, Nenad Krstic is healthy and Richard Jefferson put aside the trade discussions and helped the Nets win.

No doubt, though, Magloire complements this group and he has a chance to be a starter.

Nets' fans probably hope Magloire's signing mean Jason Collins goes to the bench. Coach Lawrence Frank called the competition "open," so it will be decided in the fall unless the Nets move Collins before then.

Here are some of the plusses and minuses of Magloire vs. Moore and Magloire vs. Collins as a starter.

HERE AND GONE: MAGLOIRE VS. MOORE

MAGLOIRE PROS
• Has a post game and actually could demand a double-team — imagine that
• Is a good defensive rebounder, so he should help the Nets' fastbreak
• Physical and big enough to matchup with other bigs
• Complements Nenad Krstic with his physicality and rebounding
One-year deal will make him play hard and try and be productive
• If not, the Nets can trade him or they lose him after the season

MAGLOIRE CONS
• Not quick footed
• Turnover prone
• Must defend better
• Regressed after his one All-Star appearance
Wants the ball — not a bad thing, but he must know his role
• Nets don't need a Marc Jackson-type (slow/unhappy with playing time) again

MISSING FROM MOORE
• Athleticism
• One of the Nets' better shooters last season
• Energy
• Scored well off of Carter, going to the basket or knocking down jumpers
• Worked hard on his game

MOORE FOR LESS
• Moore could have been a one-hit wonder
• Was going to get a three-year deal

THE STARTING DEBATE: COLLINS VS. MAGLOIRE

COLLINS STARTING PROS
• Guards the opposition's best post player
• Sets screens better than any Net
• Boxes out better than any Net
• Draws charges better than any Net

COLLINS STARTING CONS
• Doesn't score
• Struggles to make layups
• Not a good foul shooter
• Four-on-five on offense

COLLINS AS A SUB CONS
• Won't provide a spark off the bench
• Won't be guarding the main post player
• Still may not score against the foe's second team

MAGLOIRE STARTING PROS
• Gives the Nets five players who can score
• Can demand double teams inside
• Is better offensively and on the boards than Collins
• Complements Krstic well

MAGLOIRE STARTING CONS
• Not as good defensively as Collins

MAGLOIRE AS A SUB PROS
• Can score against opposition's second team
• Can provide a spark, offensively
• Is a step up offensively from Collins
• Should still see heavy minutes with Collins' often in foul trouble
• Now debate it amongst yourselves. Here's a guess, most of you want Magloire starting.

HASSAN CHOPPED
It was somewhat of a surprise that Hassan Adams was waived. The second-year swingman was a sparkplug who improved his jumper and played well in summer league.

Adams was cut because he was the only player — other than Cliff Robinson, who also was waived — that didn't have a guaranteed deal for the upcoming season. The Nets are looking to save on the luxury tax.

They may have to make an in-season move, perhaps trade Bernard Robinson or Mile Ilic for a draft pick, to get under the luxury tax. They were trying to move both to save Adams, but he became a cap casualty when no one wanted Robinson or Ilic.

FRANK'S SUMMER CAMP
The Lawrence Frank Basketball Camp will take place next week at Hoop Heaven in Whippany, N.J. Frank will share his knowledge of the game with about 150 boys and girls, ages 7-16. For more info log onto www.njnets.com and www.hoopheaven.com or call (973) 884-4667.